Accusations of child sexual abuse are extremely serious and can trigger a criminal investigation and a notification to Child Protective services, and potentially lead to criminal charges, job loss, loss of child custody, divorce proceedings, and social stigma. If you find out you are accused of child molestation, it is crucial to act quickly and wisely. Understanding how to respond may help you avoid the severe legal and personal consequences that come with a conviction for this offense. Here are steps you should take:
- Contact An Attorney:It is crucial to immediately hire an attorney, specifically an experienced criminal defense attorney specializing in these types of cases. The right attorney can significantly impact the outcome, helping you navigate the legal process at every stage. Consult an attorney before speaking to anybody else, including the police.
- Do Not Talk To The Police: Never engage with the police without first consulting your attorney. Anything you say can be used against you in court. Many accused individuals mistakenly believe that explaining their side to the pólice will resolve the situation.
- Gather Evidence: Compile a list of potential witnesses to support your defense. However, do not contact or interview these witnesses yourself . Instead allow your attorney to arrange interviews through their investigator. Also, collect any texts, receipts, voicemails or other evidence that could contradict the accuser’s claims.
- Do Not Contact The Victim Or The Parents: Avoid speaking to the accuser or their parents. Any attempt to reach out, even with good intentions could backfire and result in additional charges being filed against you. Remember, anything you say can be used against you.
- Do Not Ignore The Accusations: Disregarding the accusations because you believe they are baseless or lack of witnesses is a mistake. These allegations need to be addressed seriously.
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The police do not want to “talk” to you; They just want to interrogate you. They do not care to hear your explanation or your side of the story. They do not care about justice. They do not care if you are innocent. For the police, everyone is guilty. For them, there is no such thing as false accusations.